Original PromptUNIT 3 — Mental & Emotional Health
Weeks 3–4 | 10 Class Days
Essential Question
How can I take care of my mental and emotional health, handle stress, and know when it is time to ask for help?
Big Idea
Mental health is something we manage—not something we either "have" or "don't have."
Culminating Products
1. Stress Management Lab
2. Personal Coping Toolkit
3. My Mental Health Game Plan
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WEEK 3 — Understanding & Managing Stress
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This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the stress experiences high school students face and offers activities and strategies for managing stress and anxiety. It begins by defining stress and its types (short-term and chronic), followed by an exploration of the physical signs of stress. The document emphasizes the distinction between stress and anxiety, outlining their triggers and impacts. It discusses the recognition of depression, including warning signs and encourages discussion on when sadness becomes a concern. Furthermore, it introduces the Mechanics of Resilience with a focus on the importance of sleep, movement, connection, and perspective. Students are guided to develop a personal coping toolkit, exploring both healthy and unhealthy coping strategies, with exercises to identify effective techniques. Breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and tools for emotional regulation are emphasized throughout. The resource concludes with a project that encourages students to compile a personalized mental health game plan, detailing triggers, coping strategies, and support networks.